This month we’ve had the wonderful opportunity to begin our Thai language studies. After our first few sessions, we felt so physically tired and couldn’t figure out why. Only after some reflection we realized that it was our minds trying to remember, comprehend and learn this new language. We are using parts of our brains that have never been used before and are out of shape. Thus the exhaustion. We love this time of learning because it gives us an even better understanding of the beautiful Thai people and culture. We are including a photo of us with our Thai teacher.
We have a long way to go! We both aspire to someday be able to converse with the Thai people and sit through a sermon preached in Thai and not have to rely on the English audio translation system at church. At least now we are able to order a meal and know how much we owe without the vendor typing the amount into a calculator to show us. Oh, and we can also ask where the bathroom is…you know the real important stuff!
In addition to our language studies, we are helping Jessica, a fellow missionary (she is the NextGen Ministry Manager and Children’s pastor for the ZOE children), plan ZOE’s children camp campaign which will be starting soon when the children are out of school. Simpson and I have done youth ministry in the past but it has been both humbling and inspiring working alongside Jessica and the Thai staff to plan these camps. The camps are going to be awesome and the children are going to love it! We continue to be challenged by the emphasis on excellence at ZOE. They don’t do mediocre here. Why would they, when God gave us His very best… we are called to do the same.
Please be praying for our camps taking place the week of Oct. 16-22. Pray for God to use it to minister, challenge, and draw the children and youth closer and more in love with Him. Pray for all the staff and missionaries who are working extra hard to make it all happen.
It’s now been two months since we’ve landed and in many ways it feels like we have been here much longer. I am learning a lot about myself in this season. I realize how much of my self-esteem and self-worth is tied up in what I do and how much I can get done as well as figuring out where I fit in. So just as our brains are being stretched in our language studies, our spirit and character is also being challenged and reshaped. God lovingly continues to show us who we are in Him and that His love is unconditional and not based on anything that we have done or will do or can do. He simply loves us. It is awesome, amazing and incomprehensible. I am unworthy of His love but He lavishes His love on me anyway. This is something I knew in my head but God is now weaving it into my heart and soul. In all this, we continue to strive to live in a way that pleases and brings joy to our Heavenly Father. More than ever, we are committed to ZOEs mission of reaching every person and rescuing every child.
This month, we have had two new children come to ZOE. God is at work and we ask for your prayers for them as they transition and learn that they are loved unconditionally. They are now free and in a safe place.
We ask that you continue to tell others about ZOE and our fight against human trafficking. ZOE has just started a new awareness campaign…please help us spread the word. Join the Dance for Freedom challenge – http://gozoe.org/dance/
Thank you for your continued partnership in this ministry! We are blessed by you.
I’m in Japan with the kids and was thinking, “why can’t they understand me?” Lol. It’s so great you are learning Thai and stretching all your boundaries and being humble enough to take in the knowledge. You guys are such examples of being courageous, daring, and having humility.
A Hui Ho!
Hi there! Sorry this is so late… thank you and hope you are having a great Christmas season!